Key Highlights
- Vermont has easy passenger rail service with Amtrak. There are two main Amtrak routes: the Vermonter and the Ethan Allen Express.
- You can travel straight from big places like Washington, DC, and New York City right into the middle of the Green Mountain State.
- The Ethan Allen Express now goes all the way to Burlington. It also stops in Middlebury and Vergennes-Ferrisburgh.
- Main Amtrak stations in Vermont are Essex Junction, Rutland, White River Junction, and Brattleboro.
- The Amtrak Vermonter links Vermont and new england cities along the East Coast, so people get a nice view while on the way.
Introduction
Here is your easy guide to going around Vermont by train. Picture yourself moving through pretty new england views. You see green hills and small nice towns, and you can do this while you sit back and relax. Going by train is a simple and calm way to see all that vermont gives to people. If you want to have a ski trip, watch the fall leaves, or just leave the city for a bit, amtrak can help you get to and visit places in vermont. It is an easy and nice way to travel. Let’s help you begin your trip.
Overview of Passenger Train Services in Vermont
When you travel by train in Vermont, you will mostly use two popular Amtrak routes. These Amtrak services link Vermont to big cities and make it easy to get between the state’s many towns.
The two main lines are the Vermonter and the Ethan Allen Express. Each Amtrak route covers a different part of Vermont. This means you can pick the Ethan Allen Express or Vermonter, depending on if you want to see the western side or travel up the eastern part of the state. When you step onto the train platform, you can start your next big trip. Now, let’s look more at these amtrak routes and check out the other train options you can use in Vermont.
Amtrak Routes Serving Vermont: Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express
The two big Amtrak routes make it easy for people to get to Vermont. The first one is the popular Amtrak Vermonter. This train runs every day. It starts in Washington, DC, and goes up through New York City, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. It then comes into Vermont. Along the way, it stops in some small and nice towns such as Brattleboro and Montpelier. The train ends in St. Albans, which is near the line with Canada.
The Ethan Allen Express gives a straight ride from Penn Station in New York City up into the west part of Vermont. The train stops for a bit at Albany/Rensselaer. Then, it goes farther north to Rutland. Now, the Ethan Allen Express goes all the way to Burlington. They made it better by adding new stops in Middlebury and Ferrisburgh-Vergennes. Now, there are more places for people to go and see in Vermont.
It is a good idea to look at official times for both of these Amtrak routes on the amtrak website. People can also find schedules for trains on other sites, but it is smart to check the amtrak website before you get a ticket from Springfield or any other place.
Local and Scenic Train Operators
Besides the daily Amtrak trains, Vermont has scenic train rides that are worth your time. These trips are all about showing off Vermont’s great outdoors in a slow and relaxed way. You get to see the state’s beauty up close, making it a good choice for leaf peeping in the fall or for just looking at the land from a new view.
One option is the Green Mountain Railroad. It runs seasonal trains for tourists from Burlington and Chester. These rides are planned so people can see the best parts of the green mountains and Vermont country. Going on one of these scenic trains lets you see the old-time feel of the railways.
You can even mix your scenic train trip with a stop at one of Vermont’s top ski spots. It is easy to add a visit to Killington or Mount Snow for winter fun, or to check out the lovely streets in Stowe. These local train rides can make your Vermont trip even better.
Major Train Stations Across Vermont
Vermont has many Amtrak stations, and these make it easy for you to visit the state’s best spots. The new Burlington Union Station connects more people with the area. Brattleboro in the south is a good place to start a trip, too. Key stops like Essex Junction, Rutland, White River Junction, and Bellows Falls are very important for anyone traveling.
At each of these Amtrak stations, you can begin a different journey. It does not matter if you want to visit a busy city or a small and quiet mountain town. In the next parts, you will find more details about each key location. You will also find out what amenities these Vermont stations offer, from white river to Essex Junction, Bellows Falls, Union Station, and all the way to Rutland and Burlington.
Locations and Facilities at Key Amtrak Stations
When you arrive at one of Vermont’s Amtrak stations, you’ll find the facilities you need to start your trip smoothly. Most offer waiting rooms and access to the train platform, with ticketing services available either at a kiosk or online. Stations like the historic Union Station in Brattleboro provide a charming welcome to the state.
The amenities offered can vary by location. Some larger stations have more services, while smaller, unstaffed stops provide basic shelter and platform access. Below is a quick look at what you can expect at a few key locations.
| Station | Notable Amenities |
|---|---|
| Waterbury-Stowe (WAB) | Unstaffed station with platform |
| Brattleboro (BRA) | Historic station building, waiting room |
| White River Junction (WRJ) | Waiting room, ticketing services |
| Rutland (RUD) | Waiting room, platform access |
Burlington and Other Notable City Stations
The Ethan Allen Express now goes all the way to Burlington, which has made Union Station an important spot to visit. There is a new passenger rail platform on the waterfront, and it makes you feel welcome when you get here. You can now get on the Ethan Allen Express in NYC and ride straight to Vermont’s biggest city.
Some other train stations also play a big role in Vermont. The Essex Junction station has been the main stop for people near Burlington who ride the Vermonter train. There are also stations in Montpelier-Berlin, Randolph, and Windsor, and all of these stops help you get to top places in central Vermont.
If you head further south, you will find stations in Bellows Falls and the depot in Vergennes. These show how Vermont cares about keeping its rail history alive. The stations give you a way to get around, and they also help people feel connected to the past in towns like Essex, Bellows Falls, Montpelier, Randolph, and Windsor, just like they did years ago.
Conclusion
To sum up, Vermont’s train stations give you a nice way to travel, mixing ease with the area’s great views. There are busy Amtrak stations and local train stops that work well for both people who live in Vermont and those who visit. If you ride the Vermonter or want to try the pretty journeys on the Ethan Allen Express, you will get a warm hello and all you need at each stop. Don’t forget, going somewhere is not just about getting there. It’s also about enjoying the ride. So pack your things and think about taking the train for your next trip in Vermont! If you have questions or want help, just ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are offered at Vermont train stations?
Amenities are different at Amtrak stations in Vermont. Most places have waiting rooms and places to get on the platform. You will find ticketing kiosks and staff at some big stations. Smaller stops may not have staff. On the train, there are nice things like Wi-Fi, a cafe car, and you can pay to move up to Business Class for more comfort.
How do I find schedules and book train tickets in Vermont?
The best way to see Amtrak train schedules and buy tickets is by visiting the amtrak website or using their mobile app. On the amtrak website, you can check routes, get your tickets, and set up an account with your email address. If you can’t remember your amtrak password, password reset instructions can be sent to your email.
Are there connections to other public transportation from Vermont stations?
Yes, many train stations in Vermont have ways for you to get to other types of public transport. At most of these places, you will see local buses or a taxi that can help you get where you need to go. Some timetables even show when local rides will be there, so you can plan your trip well.